Hofmann to replace Capirossi at Donington Park

West Honda Pons have confirmed that Alex Hofmann will replace the injured Loris Capirossi at the Cinzano British Grand Prix on the 14th July. Depending on the recovery of the Italian from a broken right arm sustained at Assen last week, Hofmann could also provide cover for the Cinzano Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland at Sachsenring one week later. The German rider made an impressive MotoGP debut one month ago in Catalunya as a replacement for Garry McCoy on the Red Bull Yamaha YZR500 and finished eleventh in Holland before making way for the return of the Australian in Great Britain. Having also ridden the Proton KR machine in recent tests, the 22 year old will enjoy a third MotoGP courtship of the season with the Honda NSR500.

`It is a great shame for Loris because he was having a perfect season, demonstrating that he is one of the top MotoGP riders,´ lamented Team Owner Sito Pons, who expects to have Capirossi back to full fitness in time for the Gauloises Ceske Republiky Grand Prix. `Hofmann is the best rider available to take his place and it is a very interesting signing for us. I think he has a great opportunity ahead of him and all of the West Honda Pons team will offer him our support and experience so that he can adapt as soon as possible to the bike, to the team, and to the category.´
`Obviously I am very happy,´ added Hofmann. `I had a bad time during the winter because I could not find a sponsor and now I have ridden two rounds of the MotoGP World Championship. I don´t usually take much time to adapt, so I don´t think I will have too many problems here, although I will have to get used to the Michelin tyres because I have run both races this year on Dunlop. I am the only German rider in the class and I am in a good position to find a team for next season – something which would be very important for motorcycle racing in my country.´